VIETNAM WAR: The Fall of Saigon April 30, 1975

On April 30, 1975, North Vietnamese troops entered Saigon and stormed the Presidential Palace. By the end of the day, Saigon had fallen to unite Vietnam as one country under communist rule.

South Vietnamese stormed the walls of the United States Embassy in hopes of escaping the Communists.

Evacuation at any cost

Many South Vietnamese fled Saigon via boats which were very overcrowded and with very limited food and water. Conditions were terrible, and unfortunately thousands perished while waiting to be rescued.

Hà and her family left the only home they had ever known to escape the Communists not knowing where they would end up.

In Alabama… Hà’s teacher’s impressions of Vietnam:

Hà’s memories of Vietnam:

Tét is the most important festival of the Vietnamese calendar. It marks the beginning of a new lunar calendar usually falling between January 19 and February 20 each year. Tét is more than a New year celebration: it is a festival lasting about two weeks when families gather to feast and to remember ancestors. Money and presents are exchanged as well.